What is Auntie Annes' obligation to communicate changes to the Standards or Manuals to franchisees?
Auntie_Annes Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We will communicate changes in the Standards or the Manuals in writing or electronically to you, as we deem appropriate.
You must immediately adopt and use any Supplements to the Manuals.
All Supplements to the Manuals are binding on you as if they were part of the Manuals previously provided to you.
It is your responsibility to monitor for Supplements to the Manuals and maintain a current and up-to-date copy of the Manuals at your Franchised Business at all times.
If there is any dispute as to your compliance with the Manuals, then the master copy of the Manuals we maintain will control.
All references in this Agreement or otherwise to the Manuals will include any and all Supplements to the Manuals.
You acknowledge that changes in the Standards or Manuals may obligate you to invest additional capital in the Franchised Business and/or incur higher operating costs.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 106)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Auntie Anne's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Auntie Anne's will communicate changes to the Standards or the Manuals to franchisees in writing or electronically, as they deem appropriate. Franchisees must immediately adopt and use any supplements to the manuals, and all supplements are binding as if they were part of the original manuals.
It is the franchisee's responsibility to monitor for supplements and maintain a current and up-to-date copy of the manuals at their franchised business at all times. If there is any dispute regarding compliance with the manuals, the master copy maintained by Auntie Anne's will control. All references to the manuals include any and all supplements.
The FDD notes that changes in the Standards or Manuals may require franchisees to invest additional capital in the franchised business and/or incur higher operating costs. This means that Auntie Anne's can make changes that affect how a franchisee operates and potentially increase their expenses. Franchisees should be prepared for such changes and factor in potential costs when budgeting.